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The short —but rather inconclusive— answer to this is question is: not necessarily. You want the symbol of your love and commitment to have some oomph and presence on your finger, right? But if you’re dreaming of a celebrity-sized diamond rock – it just may be best to re-think that!

Ring trends from the La La land—should we follow?

If you’re a celebrity Instagram follower, you’ve probably been gob-smacked eyeing the diamonds on recently betrothed Hollywood stars. Not too long ago, the winner of this battle of celebrity engagement bling was Kim Kardashian. Her 15-carat-$8 million was a stunner. But then came Mariah Carey who trumped her with her 35-carat-$10 million engagement rock. (Mariah was likely relieved that it was an anonymous buyer who spent $22 million at Sotheby’s New York sale last April for a 100-carat flawless diamond boulder. At least among Hollywood brides-to-be, she still reigns supreme, diamond-size-wise.)

But stars, divas and high-profile celebrities need to shine in the limelight all the time, and huge, expensive diamond rings stir that media frenzy that feeds their brands and careers. So, unless you have a similar status and needs, let Mariah hold the winning title (at least for now) in that battle of celebrity engagement bling!

Why bigger is not always better…

For all it’s worth, jewelers agree that the “wow” effect of a diamond ring has very little to do with its size. What’s more important is a diamond’s color, clarity and design. So there you are.

And just think about it. That huge rock on your hand will snag your cashmere sweater. It will get entangled in your other bling. It will make running your hands through your man’s hair a painful rather than a romantic experience. And it will probably cause snickers and whispers at the office. Although your friends and co-workers will “ooo” and “ahh” while ogling your chunky ring in front of you, it might be a different story behind your back. The words “pretentious” and “ostentatious” might be bandied about.

Still, not all good things come in small packages…

Yes, of course, it’s a no brainer that it’s not the size of the engagement ring, it’s the love you have for one another that matters. But, let’s face it — aesthetically speaking— a .25 carat diamond in a solitaire setting tends to look like a lonely pinhead on your finger.

So, if affordability is a factor (and there is absolutely no shame in that), don’t obsess with having a diamond engagement ring. Go for other more wallet-friendly gemstones. An opal or a sapphire in a beautiful setting will deliver just as much of a wow factor as a diamond ring.

Listen (or not) to what an engagement ring study says…

And the survey says: a big, expensive engagement ring just might lead to your worst nightmare.

A 2014 study from Emory University drew a correlation between the price (generally dictated by the size) of the engagement ring and the probability of divorce. The study found that the higher the price, the more likely the couple divorced. Still, the study also found that men who cheaped out on a ring (spent less than $500), also had high divorce rates.

So, it looks like science is saying that somewhere in the middle between the very big and the very small is the sweet spot for the engagement ring size. You can take heed…or not.

If diamonds have been your BFF, and your man can afford a bigger ring, go for it! You have to love your engagement ring. To each her own.

But a bigger engagement ring does not necessarily mean it is better. It does not mean your love and commitment is deeper. If you’re not into showstopper bling and the price point is a consideration, go smaller — without any misgivings.

Michele Obama’s engagement ring was a modest 1-carat diamond and she and her hubby are still going as strong as ever after more than 20 years!